Systems and methods for accessing hotel services using a portable electronic device

ABSTRACT

This is directed to systems and methods for integrating hotel services in a single application available to a portable electronic device. Using the single application, a user can access and control hotel services before arriving at the hotel, upon arriving at the hotel, in the hotel room, in the local vicinity, and after leaving the hotel. Such services can include, for example, checking-in and checking out, purchasing in-room dining or in-room entertainment, making reservations at local restaurants or local attractions, scheduling hotel guest reminders, and controlling room setting either within the room or outside of the room.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/147,355, filed on Jan. 26, 2009, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This is directed to providing access to hotel services using a portableelectronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

As travelers stay in hotels or locations other than their homes, manyinteractions between the travelers and the hotels can take place. Forexample, a traveler can interact with a hotel to make a reservation,check-in, order room service, control room settings, use a concierge toidentify attractions of interest in the vicinity, purchase entertainmentoptions, check-out, and schedule subsequent aspects of a trip (e.g.,order a taxi, reserve a rental car, or check-in to a flight). All ofthese interactions can require distinct actions from the user fromdifferent devices or elements. For example, a user can call to make areservation, check-in in-person upon reaching the hotel, orderentertainment using a menu available from a television screen, identifyattractions from a telephone or through an in-person conversation with aconcierge, and check-out by receiving a receipt slipped underneath theuser's door.

Although this combination of approaches for interacting with the hoteland with the available hotel services can be serviceable, it remainscumbersome and requires the hotel to accommodate all of the possibleforms of interaction. From a user's perspective, the lack ofcentralization of interactions with the hotel and with the availablehotel services can require more effort from the user wishing to takeadvantage of hotel services, and perhaps even dissuade the user fromusing available hotel services (thus at a cost to the hotel).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This is directed to systems and methods for accessing hotel servicesthrough a portable electronic device. In particular, this is directed toproviding an integrated application of an electronic device foraccessing hotel services in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the integrated application can interface with oneor more servers associated with the hotel. For example, the electronicdevice can connect with distinct servers associated with orderingservices or goods from the hotel (e.g., room service), and with distinctservers associated with attractions, shops or stores to allow a user tomake reservations, make purchases, or access information. As anotherexample, the electronic device can connect with the controls of a hotelroom in which the user is staying to configure aspects of the room suchas lighting, temperature, audio settings, video settings, bathtubsettings, any other suitable room settings, or any combination of theabove.

In some embodiments, the integrated application can allow a user tocreate, access, and modify hotel reservations. In some embodiments, theintegrated application can allow a user to remotely check into a hotel,for example, as a user is approaching the hotel in a taxi. In this case,the electronic device can function as a room key. For example, theelectronic device can transmit a signal using an appropriate protocoland radio (e.g., Bluetooth signal or other near field communication) todirect a door to be opened. As another example, the electronic devicecan display a pattern for an optical reader associated with a door. Insome embodiments, through the integrated application a user canpre-order room service or other hotels services, control room settings(e.g., lighting, audio settings, video settings, temperature settings,and bath settings). For example, a user can remotely control the roomsettings, remotely pre-order room service, or both, before arriving attheir room. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device canfunction as a remote control to allow a user to control room settingsand order hotel services while the user is in their room.

In some embodiments, the integrated application can allow a user to viewconcierge information (e.g., hotel amenities, nearby shops andrestaurants, and the like). A user may make reservations and/orpurchases at the shops and restaurants through the integratedapplication. For example, the electronic device can be used to interfacewith a menu providing access to hotel services (e.g., displayed on thetelevision screen of the user's room, shown on a display of theelectronic device, or both). Using the menu, the user can order videosavailable for purchase, send requests to schedule hotel services (e.g.,schedule a wake up call, make an appointment at the hotel spa, reserve ahotel conference room, and the like), or purchase goods using theexisting hotel interface. In some embodiments, the integratedapplication can provide social networking abilities by allowing a userto locate friends and acquaintances (e.g., in the nearby area).

In some embodiments, the integrated application can allow a user tocheck out remotely (e.g., by displaying their bill and room charges). Insome embodiments, the integrated application can provide otherpost-checkout functions such as allowing a user to access rewardsinformation, allowing a user to request transportation (e.g., to and/orfrom an airport), providing bounceback offers, and storing travelreceipts (e.g., so a user can be reimbursed for travel expenses).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device forproviding an application operative to interface with a hotel system inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of several situations during which a user canmake use of a single, integrated application in the context of a hotelstay in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of advantages of an integrated application forenhancing a user's hotel experience in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of functions available to a userbefore arrival in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative process for configuring a room setting inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of functions available to a user uponarriving at a hotel in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of functions available to a user within thehotel room in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electronic device integrated in anaudio system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an electronic device integrated in a videosystem in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of functions available to a user foraccessing hotel amenities and nearby destinations in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of functions available to a user afterleaving the hotel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device forproviding an application operative to interface with a hotel system inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device 100can include control circuitry 102, storage 104, memory 106, I/Ocircuitry 108 (“I/O circuitry 108”), and communications circuitry 110.In some embodiments, one or more of the components of electronic device100 can be combined or omitted (e.g., storage 104 and memory 106 can becombined). In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include othercomponents not combined or included in those shown in FIG. 1 (e.g.,motion detection components, a power supply such as a battery orkinetics, a display, a bus, a positioning system, or an inputmechanism), or several instances of the components shown in FIG. 1. Forthe sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown inFIG. 1.

Electronic device 100 can include any suitable type of electronicdevice. For example, electronic device 100 can include a portableelectronic device that the user may hold in his or her hand, such as adigital media player (e.g., an iPod™ made available by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif.), a personal e-mail device (e.g., a Blackberry™ madeavailable by Research in Motion of Waterloo, Ontario), a personal dataassistant (“PDA”), a cellular telephone, a handheld gaming device, and adigital camera. As another example, electronic device 100 can include alarger portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer. As yetanother example, electronic device 100 can include a substantially fixedelectronic device, such as a desktop computer.

Control circuitry 102 can include any processing circuitry or processoroperative to control the operations and performance of electronic device100. For example, control circuitry 102 can be used to run operatingsystem applications, firmware applications, media playback applications,media editing applications, or any other application. In someembodiments, control circuitry 102 can drive a display and processinputs received from a user interface.

Storage 104 can include, for example, one or more storage mediumsincluding a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanentmemory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or anycombination thereof. Storage 104 can store, for example, media data(e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementingfunctions on electronic device 100), firmware, user preferenceinformation data (e.g., media playback preferences), authenticationinformation (e.g. libraries of data associated with authorized users),lifestyle information data (e.g., food preferences), exerciseinformation data (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoringequipment), transaction information data (e.g., information such ascredit card information), wireless connection information data (e.g.,information that can enable electronic device 100 to establish awireless connection), subscription information data (e.g., informationthat keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a usersubscribes to), contact information data (e.g., telephone numbers andemail addresses), calendar information data, and any other suitable dataor any combination thereof.

Memory 106 can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as RAM,and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarilystoring data. In some embodiments, memory 106 can also be used forstoring data used to operate electronic device applications, or anyother type of data that can be stored in storage 104. In someembodiments, memory 106 and storage 104 can be combined as a singlestorage medium.

I/O circuitry 108 can be operative to convert (and encode/decode, ifnecessary) analog signals and other signals into digital data. In someembodiments, I/O circuitry 108 can also convert digital data into anyother type of signal, and vice-versa. For example, I/O circuitry 108 canreceive and convert physical contact inputs (e.g., from a multi-touchscreen), physical movements (e.g., from a mouse or sensor), analog audiosignals (e.g., from a microphone), or any other input. The digital datacan be provided to and received from control circuitry 102, storage 104,memory 106, or any other component of electronic device 100. AlthoughI/O circuitry 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a single component ofelectronic device 100, several instances of I/O circuitry 108 can beincluded in electronic device 100.

Electronic device 100 can include any suitable interface or componentfor allowing a user to provide inputs to I/O circuitry 108. For example,electronic device 100 can include any suitable input mechanism, such asfor example, a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen.In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include a capacitivesensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing mechanism.

In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include specializedoutput circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example,one or more audio outputs. The audio output can include one or morespeakers (e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into electronic device100, or an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic device100 (e.g., a headset, headphones or earbuds that can be coupled tocommunications device with a wire or wirelessly).

In some embodiments, I/O circuitry 108 can include display circuitry(e.g., a screen or projection system) for providing a display visible tothe user. For example, the display circuitry can include a screen (e.g.,an LCD screen) that is incorporated in electronics device 100. Asanother example, the display circuitry can include a movable display ora projecting system for providing a display of content on a surfaceremote from electronic device 100 (e.g., a video projector). In someembodiments, the display circuitry can include a coder/decoder (Codec)to convert digital media data into analog signals. For example, thedisplay circuitry (or other appropriate circuitry within electronicdevice 100) can include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any othersuitable type of Codec.

The display circuitry also can include display driver circuitry,circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. The display circuitrycan be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information,application screens for applications implemented on the electronicdevice, information regarding ongoing communications operations,information regarding incoming communications requests, or deviceoperation screens) under the direction of control circuitry 102.Alternatively, the display circuitry can be operative to provideinstructions to a remote display.

Communications circuitry 110 can include any suitable communicationscircuitry operative to connect to a communications network and totransmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic device 100to other devices within the communications network. Communicationscircuitry 110 can be operative to interface with the communicationsnetwork using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example,Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth®, radio frequency systems(e.g., 900 MHz, 1.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared,GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband, and other cellular protocols, VOIP,or any other suitable protocol.

In some embodiments, communications circuitry 110 can be operative tocreate a communications network using any suitable communicationsprotocol. For example, communications circuitry 110 can create ashort-range communications network using a short-range communicationsprotocol to connect to other devices. For example, communicationscircuitry 110 can be operative to create a local communications networkusing the Bluetooth® protocol to couple electronic device 100 with aBluetooth® headset.

Electronic device 100 can include one more instances of communicationscircuitry 110 for simultaneously performing several communicationsoperations using different communications networks, although only one isshown in FIG. 1 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. For example,electronic device 100 can include a first instance of communicationscircuitry 110 for communicating over a cellular network, and a secondinstance of communications circuitry 110 for communicating over Wi-Fi orusing Bluetooth®. In some embodiments, the same instance ofcommunications circuitry 110 can be operative to provide forcommunications over several communications networks.

In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can be coupled a host devicefor data transfers, synching the communications device, software orfirmware updates, providing performance information to a remote source(e.g., providing riding characteristics to a remove server) orperforming any other suitable operation that can require electronicdevice 100 to be coupled to a host device. Several electronic devices100 can be coupled to a single host device using the host device as aserver. Alternatively or additionally, electronic device 100 can becoupled to several host devices (e.g., for each of the plurality of thehost devices to serve as a backup for data stored in electronic device100).

In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100of FIG. 1) may include an application operative to interface with ahotel system to provide access to different services provided by thehotel. In some embodiments, this access to the different hotel servicecan be provided through a single, integrated application of theelectronic device. For example, through the integrated application, auser can connect to a hotel registration system to allow a user tocheck-in and check-out remotely (e.g., from a taxi on the way to thehotel). As another example, the integrated application can allow theuser to access services available to hotel guests, such as a conciergeservice, room service, or other services for enhancing a user's hotelexperience. As a further example, the integrated application can allow auser to access and control room settings such as lighting, heat, audiosettings, video settings, and bath settings. In some embodiments, theelectronic device can allow a user to access the settings, services, orboth remotely (e.g., by functioning as a remote control). Also, inaddition to hotels, it is to be understood that a user can make use of asingle, integrated application in the context of any other type oftravel experience, in accordance with other embodiments of theinvention.

The electronic device can interface with the hotel system using anysuitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device cansecurely connect to one or more servers associated with the hotel. Forexample, the electronic device can connect with distinct serversassociated with ordering services or goods from the hotel (e.g., roomservice). As another example, the electronic device can connect withdistinct servers associated with attractions, shops, or store, for whichthe user can make reservations, purchases, or access information (e.g.,replacing the introduction binder typically found in hotel rooms). Asanother example, the electronic device can connect with the controls ofa hotel room in which the user is staying to configure aspects of theroom such as lighting, temperature, audio settings, video settings,bathtub settings, any other suitable room settings, or any combinationof the above.

Accordingly, through an integrated application of an electronic device,a user can perform different operations to enhance the user's hotelexperience. FIG. 2 shows diagram 200 of several situations during whicha user can make use of a single, integrated application in the contextof a hotel stay. These situations may include, for example, pre-arrivalscenario 202 before a user has checked into a hotel (e.g., whileplanning the reservation, traveling to the hotel, or both). Othersituations can include arrival scenario 204 when a user initiallyarrives at a hotel, in-room scenario 206 when a user is in their room,and hotel amenities and destination scenario 208 (e.g., when a user istaking part in hotel amenities such as hotel restaurants and bars, whena user is visiting local destination attractions such museums, shows,and restaurants outside of the hotel, and the like). Another situationcan include post trip scenario 210 after a user has checked-out of ahotel.

Advantages of such a single, integrated application can include, asindicated by diagram 300 of FIG. 3, creating a unique experience 302.For example, the integrated application can create a hotel experiencethat is personal and connected to a shopper (e.g., by promotingcontinuity with a certain hotel or hotel chain based on a shopper'spersonal preferences and habits). Advantages of a single, integratedapplication may also include monetization 304. For example, upgrades andspecial services that may be purchased by a user can be offered throughthe integrated application. Another advantage can include customerretention 306. For example, the integrated application can buildcustomer relations and promote customer retention (e.g., by addressing atraveler's needs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide the utmostsatisfaction). Yet another advantage can include affiliate opportunities308. For example, since a portable electronic device's simplicity,affordability, and portability may appeal to a broad scope of travelers,a broad scope of travelers may be using the integrated application.Affiliate companies may then be given the opportunity to reach this widerange of travelers through the integrated application. In this manner, asingle, integrated application can control and enhance the user'sexperience with that hotel.

FIG. 4A shows diagram 400 of functions available to a user beforearriving at a hotel in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. For example, the functions of FIG. 4A may be available to auser during pre-arrival scenario 202 of FIG. 2 and may be used toinitiate contact with the guest. However, one skilled in the art couldappreciate that the functions of FIG. 4A are not limited to apre-arrival scenario or to the particular functions listed in FIG. 4A,and rather may include any suitable functions or be used in any suitablescenario.

As generally indicated in diagram 400, a user can create, access, andmodify hotel reservations through an integrated application of theuser's electronic device. For example, interface 402 shows an exemplaryinterface to allow a user to access a hotel reservation throughelectronic device 404. As one illustration, a user can enter identifyinginformation in one or more input boxes 406. The information can beentered through any suitable input component such as input 408. Theuser's hotel reservation can then be accessed (e.g., for viewing,editing, or for any other suitable function) by selecting input 410. Insome embodiments, an integrated application can aid a user in booking ahotel reservation by allowing a user to, for example, browse availablehotels, view hotel information, or otherwise suitably be presented withvarious options and information regarding a hotel reservation. In someembodiments, the integrated application can aid in destination planningby providing local area information (e.g., information about localrestaurants, shops, and attractions). The provided information can befree or can be available for purchase (e.g., tour guide books availablefor purchase). For example, a user can perform a secure transactionthrough the integrated application (e.g., by using a credit card) topurchase the information.

As is also generally indicated in diagram 400, a user can be providedwith upsell opportunities through the integrated application. Forexample, a user can be provided with an opportunity to upgrade theirroom, purchase pre-paid meals (e.g., pre-pay for breakfast at thehotel), or purchase any other suitable upsell opportunities. The upsellopportunities can be delivered to the user in any suitable manner suchas, for example, an e-mail sent to the user's e-mail account, a pop-upnotification, a push notification (e.g., a notification that utilizes aninternet protocol (“IP”) connection to forward notifications from theservers of third party applications to an electronic device), or anycombination of the above.

In some embodiments, a user can remotely check-in and/or check-in earlythrough the integrated application. For example, a hotel system candetect when a user who is scheduled to check into the hotel on thecurrent date is approaching the hotel. In some embodiments, the user'selectronic device can include a positioning system with which the hotelsystem can communicate to determine the user's location. The positioningsystem can include any suitable system such as, for example, a globalpositioning system (“GPS”) receiver for accessing a GPS applicationfunction call that returns the geographic coordinates (i.e., thegeographic location) of the electronic device. As another illustration,the positioning system can utilize any suitable trilateration ortriangulation technique to determine the geographic coordinates of theelectronic device. In some embodiments, the positioning system candetermine various measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) orsignal strength measurements) of a network signal (e.g., a cellulartelephone network signal, a wireless network access point or “hot spot,”or any other suitable network signal) associated with the electronicdevice to determine its location.

Accordingly, by determining the user's current location (e.g., through apositioning system of the user's electronic device), the hotel systemcan determine when the user is approaching the hotel. In response todetermining the user is nearby (e.g., within a predetermined distance ofthe hotel), the hotel system may automatically check-in the user.Alternatively, the hotel system can send a notification to the userrequesting permission to check-in the user when the hotel systemdetermines the user is within a predetermined distance of the hotel. Forexample, FIG. 4B shows notification 412 that can be provided viaelectronic device 414 to request permission to check-in a user.Notification 412 can include, for example, a pop-up notification, a pushnotification, or any other suitable notification provided via electronicdevice 414.

As generally indicated by diagram 400, a user can pre-order in-roomdining (e.g., room service) or request any other suitable hotel servicesthrough the integrated application. For example, oftentimes a user maybe arriving at a hotel during late or unusual hours (e.g., due to a longtravel time, traveling to a different time zone, or both). Accordingly,local restaurants and hotel restaurants may already be closed when theuser arrives at the hotel. Thus an arriving guest, who may potentiallybe tired and hungry from traveling, may be unable to order food. Throughthe integrated application of the user's device, however, a user canpre-order a room service item while the room service is still available.The room service item may then be delivered to the user's room. Forexample, the room service item can be delivered to the user's hotel roomprior to the user's arrival. In this manner, the room service order canbe ready and waiting for the user when he arrives at his room.Alternatively or additionally to a room service order, any othersuitable hotel service can be pre-ordered.

In some embodiments, a user can remotely control room settings of theirhotel room through the integrated application. The room settings caninclude, for example, temperature settings, audio settings (e.g.,radio), video settings (e.g., television, movies, and the like), lightsettings, bath settings (e.g., filling up a bathtub with water at adesired temperature), or any other suitable room settings. For example,the electronic device can be used to interface with a menu providingaccess to the room settings. Using the menu, the user can suitablyconfigure the room settings as desired when the user is not in the room(e.g., the user can turn on the air conditioning in the room in orderthat the room has cooled down by the time the user checks-in and arrivesat the hotel room). One skilled in the art could appreciate that theroom settings can be remotely configured at any suitable time, and isnot limited to the timeframe before a user initially checks-in. Forexample, a user may have already checked into a hotel, yet has left thehotel room for the day (e.g., to go skiing, to go to work, and thelike). On the way back to the hotel room, a user can remotely configurethe room settings to increase the temperature in the hotel room, (e.g.,since the user may be cold from skiing all day). In this manner, thehotel room may already be warmed by the time the user arrives at thehotel room.

FIG. 5 shows process 500 for configuring a room setting. At step 502,identifying information can be received from the user. For example, theidentifying information can be received by a server of the hotel system.The identifying information can include a credit card number, a hotelreservation number, the user's name, the user's birth date, the user'ssocial security number, the user's login information (e.g., to log intoa server of the hotel system), any other suitable identifyinginformation, or any combination of the above. The information can betransmitted by, for example, communication circuitry of an electronicdevice of the user (e.g., communication circuitry 110 of FIG. 1) to thehotel system.

At step 504, a request to configure at least one room setting can bereceived from the user. Similar to step 502, the request can be receivedby, for example, a server of the hotel system. The room settingrequested for configuration can include a temperature setting, an audiosetting, a video setting, a light setting, a bath setting, any othersuitable room setting, or any combination of the above. In someembodiments, the request can include a certain timeframe in which tocomplete the request (e.g., “turn on the room lights in 15 minutes.”).In this manner, a user can time a room setting configuration to occur ata desired time such as, for example, shortly before the user arrives atthe hotel room (e.g., in order to save electricity).

At step 506, the hotel system can determine whether the user is anauthorized guest of the hotel (e.g., and thus may be authorized toconfigure a room setting). For example, based on the identifyinginformation received at step 502, the hotel system can determine whetherthe user is currently checked into the hotel. As another example, basedon the identifying information received at step 502, the hotel systemcan determine whether the user is scheduled to check into the hotel onthe current date. In some embodiments, in response to determining theuser is scheduled to check into the hotel on the current date but is notyet checked in, the hotel system can automatically check the user intothe hotel. Alternatively, in this scenario, the hotel can send anotification to the user requesting permission to check the user intothe hotel (e.g., notification 412 of FIG. 4B).

At step 508, in response to determining the user is an authorized guestof the hotel, a hotel room can be configured with the requested roomsetting that was received at step 504. For example, one or more lightscan be turned off or on, the room temperature can be raised or lowered,a radio can be turned on, off, or have its volume adjusted, a televisioncan be turned on, off, or have its volume adjusted, a particular moviecan be loaded into an entertainment system (e.g., loaded into a DVD orBlu-ray player), a bathtub can be filled with water of a desiredtemperature, or any other suitable room settings can be configured asrequested.

The particular hotel room whose settings are to be configured can bedetermined in any suitable manner. For example, if a user is alreadychecked into the hotel, the room settings can be applied to the user'shotel room. If the user is currently being checked into the hotel (e.g.,checked in remotely through a suitable interface, such as notification412 of FIG. 4B), the user can be assigned to a particular room at thistime. The room settings may then be applied to this particular room.

FIG. 6 shows diagram 600 of functions available to a user upon arrivingat a hotel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Forexample, the functions of FIG. 6 may be available to a user duringarrival scenario 204 of FIG. 2. However, one skilled in the art couldappreciate that the functions of FIG. 6 are not limited to an arrivalscenario or to the particular functions listed in FIG. 6, and rather mayinclude any suitable functions or be used in any suitable scenario.

As generally indicated in diagram 600, a user can complete a check-inthrough the integrated application. For example, as illustrated by userinterface 602, a notification such as notification 604 can be receivedon the user's electronic device 606. The notification can includeinformation such as information on where to pick up a room key, anarrival confirmation, an option such as option 608 to allow the user toreply to the notification or otherwise communicate with the hotel, orany other suitable information.

In some embodiments, the electronic device itself can function as a roomkey. For example, the electronic device can transmit a signal using anappropriate protocol and radio signal (e.g., RFID signal or other nearfield communication) to direct a hotel room door to be opened. Asanother example, the electronic device can display a pattern for anoptical reader associated with a hotel room door. The electronic devicecan receive the appropriate electronic key at any suitable time,including for example upon checking-in remotely (e.g., throughnotification 412 of FIG. 4). In this scenario, the key can be securelytransmitted to the electronic device through, for example, a securewireless network. As an illustration, this may allow a user to proceeddirectly to their room rather than necessitating a trip to the frontdesk to pick up their room key.

As is also generally indicated by diagram 600, a user can view hotelamenities through the integrated application. For example, interface 610shows an exemplary user interface for showcasing hotel amenities. Inaddition to hotel amenities, a user can view and browse localrestaurants, shops, attractions, and other suitable services that arenearby the hotel. For example, an integrated or associated mappingapplication can be used to allow a user to search and browse the localservices. In some embodiments, a user can make reservations, purchases,or both at any suitable hotel and local shops, restaurants, attractions,or other services. For example, the electronic device can provide for asecure connection to allow a user to transmit payment information (e.g.,credit card information), or a reservations (e.g., restaurantreservation) can be made over a wireless network, thus removing the needfor a user to telephone the restaurant.

In some embodiments, as is also indicated by diagram 600, a user canfind social acquaintances in the vicinity through the integratedapplication. For example, a friend's electronic device can include apositioning system to determine the friend's location. The friend'selectronic device can then transmit this location information to theuser's electronic device. In response to determining that a friend is inthe nearby vicinity, the integrated application may then provide anotification to the user that the friend is nearby, display a mapshowing the location of the friend, provide contact information for thefriend (e.g., from a address book stored on or accessible by theelectronic device), or any combination of the above.

FIG. 7 shows diagram 700 of functions available to a user within thehotel room in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Forexample, the functions of FIG. 7 may be available to a user duringin-room scenario 206 of FIG. 2. However, one skilled in the art couldappreciate that the functions of FIG. 7 are not limited to an in-roomscenario or to the particular functions listed in FIG. 7, and rather mayinclude any suitable functions or may be used in any suitable scenario.

As shown in diagram 700, a user can control power, audio, and videoavailable in the room and enhance room settings. For example, throughthe integrated application, the electronic device can function as auniversal remote controller allowing a user to control audio and videoavailable for playback. For example, interface 702 shows an exemplaryinterface allowing a user to control the channels of a televisionthrough electronic device 704. Through interface 702, a user canadditionally or alternatively control a radio, a DVD player, a CDplayer, a coffee maker, or any other suitable electronics and applianceswithin the hotel room.

As another illustration, through the integrated application, theelectronic device can function as a universal remote to control roomsettings. For example, a user can control light switches, bathroomappliances or fixtures (e.g., start a bath with water at a user definedtemperature), temperature settings, or the settings of other appliancesof the hotel room. For example, interface 706 shows an exemplaryinterface allowing a user to control room settings through electronicdevice 708. One skilled in the art could appreciate that interface 706may also allow a user to control room settings when they outside of thehotel room or are in a location outside of the hotel premises.

In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of using the electronicdevice a universal remote controller, a user can connect the electronicdevice to a dock for providing audio playback, video playback, or both.For example, FIG. 8 shows audio system 800. In audio system 800,electronic device 802 can couple to one or more of speaker 804 throughdock 806. As another example, FIG. 9 shows video system 900. In videosystem 900, electronic device 902 can couple to one or more videoplayback systems 904 (e.g., a television, DVD player, Blu-ray player,any other suitable video playback system, or any combination of theabove) through dock 906. Through audio system 800 and video system 900,a user can, for example, play video and audio stored on electronicdevice 902 through video playback system 904 (e.g., play a movie thatwas half finished on an airplane ride to the hotel).

In some embodiments, the electronic device can be used to interface witha menu providing access to hotel services (e.g., a menu displayed on thetelevision screen of the user's room, displayed on the electronicdevice, or both). Using the menu, the user can order videos (e.g.,movies available for purchase such as movies-on-demand or moviesavailable for free viewing), send requests to the hotel (e.g., schedulea wake up call), or purchase goods (e.g., toiletries, souvenirs, meals,or other goods) using the existing hotel interface. For example, throughthe menu, a user can browse various media (e.g., movies, music, or othersuitable media) available for purchase. The user may then accessinformation such as media title, media description, media price, mediagenre, or other suitable information. After ordering a media item, themedia can be presented to the user through a system such as, forexample, audio system 800 of FIG. 8 or audio system 900 of FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, a user can specify user preferences and profileinformation such as, for example, preferred genre, preferred movielength, favorite music, favorite shows, age, gender, or any othersuitable information. Based on the user preferences and profileinformation, the menu items of the electronic device can be personalizedfor the user. For example, the movies available for purchased can beprioritized such that preferred movies are displayed more prominently(e.g., are displayed at the top of the list, are the only moviesdisplayed, are displayed in bold, and the like). As another example,when the electronic device is being used as a universal remote tocontrol television channels (e.g., interface 702 of FIG. 7), preferredchannels can be displayed more prominently. The preferred media andchannels can be determined based directly on the user preferences andprofile information (e.g., the preferred media matches a preferred genrein the user preferences), may be determined indirectly from userpreferences and profile information (e.g., based on the user's age,media generally enjoyed by users of that age group can be chosen), or acombination of the above.

FIG. 10 shows diagram 1000 of functions available to a user foraccessing hotel amenities and information regarding nearby destinationsin accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, thefunctions of FIG. 10 may be available to a user during hotel amenitiesand destination scenario 208 of FIG. 2. However, one skilled in the artcould appreciate that the functions of FIG. 10 are not limited to ahotel amenities and destination scenario or to the particular functionslisted in FIG. 10, and rather may include any suitable functions or maybe used in any suitable scenario.

As generally indicated in diagram 1000, the user can make restaurantreservations and view restaurant recommendations for local restaurantsthrough the integrated application. Moreover, the user can book hotelamenities and on-site services such as, for example, spa appointments,hotel restaurant reservations, conference room reservations, or anyother suitable hotel amenities.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a user can view and browse location basedentertainment (e.g., local entertainment) through the integratedapplication. For example, interface 1002 shows an exemplary userinterface for allowing a user to browse local entertainment andattractions. Through an interface such as interface 1002, a user canlocate information on local restaurants, movies, theatres, museums, orany other local attractions and entertainment. In this manner, as thelocation information can be provided through a portable electronicdevice carried by a user, a user can be provided with a portable andconvenient source of “concierge information to go.” Moreover, inaddition to viewing and browsing local entertainment, a user can makepurchases. For example, through a secure network for authorizingpayment, (e.g., through a credit card system) a user can purchase movietickets, sports tickets, museum tickets, show tickets, theme parktickets, or purchase any other suitable items.

As is also generally indicated in diagram 1000, guest reminder can beprovided to a user through the integrated application of the electronicdevice. For example, a reminder such as a wake-up call can be providedthrough the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device can vibrate,sound an alarm, or otherwise alert a user at the time of the wake-upcall). As another example, reminders of scheduled appointments can beprovided through the integrated application. For example, user interface1004 shows an exemplary reminder 1006 that can be provided throughelectronic device 1008. Reminder 1006 can be provided through anysuitable notification such as, for example, an e-mail notification, aphone call, a pop-up notification, a push notification, or any othersuitable notification.

FIG. 11 shows diagram 1100 of functions available to a user afterchecking out of a hotel in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. For example, the functions of FIG. 11 may be available to auser during post trip scenario 210 of FIG. 2. However, one skilled inthe art could appreciate that the functions of FIG. 11 are not limitedto post trip scenario or to the particular functions listed in FIG. 11,and rather may include any suitable functions or may be used in anysuitable scenario.

As generally indicated in diagram 1100, the user can checkout remotelythrough an “easy checkout.” For example, as illustrated by interface1102, through the electronic device a user can see information such astheir hotel bill and room charges. A user may then access additional ormore detailed information regarding room charges by choosing selectionssuch as input 1104. A user may complete a checkout by choosing asuitable option such as input 1106.

Moreover, as is also indicated by diagram 1100, a user can requesttransportation to a destination (e.g., a taxi to an airport), and viewrewards information. For example, as illustrated by user interface 1108,a user can be provided with an opportunity to enter, view, and modifyrewards information. In some embodiments, through the integratedapplication, and user can be provides with offers from affiliateprograms, purchase post-trip items (e.g., souvenirs or othermemorabilia), and view bounceback offers. For example, FIG. 11 showsillustrative bounceback offer 1110 that can be received by electronicdevice 1112. A user can accept a bounceback offer through any suitablemeans such as, for example, through selectable option 1114.

In some embodiments, the electronic device can automatically save andstore receipts from the hotel and other service providers (e.g.,restaurants, transportation, entertainment, and attractions) tofacilitate the user's post-trip experience. For example, the receiptscan be gathered to aid a user in updating their budget or to facilitatethe reimbursement of expenses incurred on a business trip.

The process discussed above is intended to be illustrative and notlimiting. Persons skilled in the art could appreciate that steps of theprocess discussed herein can be omitted, modified, combined, orrearranged, and any additional steps can be performed without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

In addition, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat methods involved in the invention may be embodied in a computerprogram product that includes a machine readable and/or usable medium.For example, such a computer usable medium may consist of a read-onlymemory device, such as a CD ROM disk or conventional ROM device, or arandom access memory, such as a hard drive device or a computerdiskette, or flash memory device having a computer readable program codestored thereon.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are presented forpurposes of illustration and not of limitation.

1. A method comprising: receiving identifying information from a user,wherein the information is transmitted via a portable electronic deviceof the user located remote from a hotel; receiving, from the user, arequest to configure at least one room setting; determining, based onthe identifying information, that the user is an authorized guest of thehotel; and configuring a hotel room of the hotel with the at least oneroom setting in response to determining the user is an authorized guest,wherein the configuring is performed prior to the user arriving at thehotel room.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request comprises atleast one of adjusting a temperature setting of the hotel room,adjusting a television setting of the hotel room, adjusting an audiosetting of the hotel room, adjusting a lighting setting of the hotelroom, and adjusting a bathtub setting of the hotel room.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the request comprises a particular timeframe inwhich to complete the request.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining, based on the identifying information, that the user is anauthorized guest further comprises: determining the user is one of acurrent hotel guest and a hotel guest scheduled to check-in on thecurrent date.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein configuring a hotel roomfurther comprises: determining a particular hotel room is scheduled foroccupancy by the user; and configuring the particular hotel room withthe at least one room setting.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving, from the user, a request to pre-order a roomservice item; and delivering the room service item to the hotel roomprior to the user arriving at the hotel room.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining the user is not checked into the hoteland is scheduled to check-in on the current date; and automaticallychecking the user into the hotel in response to determining the user isnot checked into the hotel and is scheduled to check-in on the currentdate.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the useris not checked into the hotel and is scheduled to check-in on thecurrent date; and transmitting, in response to determining the user isnot checked into the hotel and is scheduled to check-in on the currentdate, a notification to the user requesting permission to check-in theuser.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving permissionto check-in the user, wherein the permission is transmitted via theportable electronic device; and checking the user into the hotel. 10.The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a notificationto the user offering an upsell opportunity.
 11. A portable electronicdevice for interfacing with a hotel system, the portable electronicdevice comprising: an input component operable to receive a user requestto adjust at least one room setting of a hotel room; and communicationcircuitry operable to: transmit the user request to the hotel system;transmit identifying information to the hotel system for retrievingreservation information of a particular hotel room; and receive aconfirmation from the hotel system indicating the particular hotel roomis configured with the at least one room setting.
 12. The portableelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the user request comprises atleast one of adjusting a temperature setting of the hotel room,adjusting a television setting of the hotel room, adjusting an audiosetting of the hotel room, adjusting a lighting setting of the hotelroom, and adjusting a bathtub setting of the hotel room.
 13. Theportable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the communicationcircuitry is further operable to: receive an electronic key operative toopen a hotel room door, wherein the electronic key is operable by theportable electronic device.
 14. The portable electronic device of claim13, further comprising: a display component; and a processor, whereinthe electronic key comprises a particular optical pattern and whereinthe processor is operable to direct the display component to display theparticular optical pattern to unlock a door.
 15. The portable electronicdevice of claim 12, further comprising: a radio signal generator; and aprocessor, wherein the electronic key comprises a particular radiosignal and wherein the processor is operable to direct the radio signalgenerator to generate the particular radio signal to unlock a door. 16.The portable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the communicationscircuitry is further operable to: transmit a request to schedule a hotelservice.
 17. The portable electronic device of claim 16, wherein thehotel service comprises one of a wake up call, an appointment at a hotelspa, and a reservation of a hotel conference room.
 18. The portableelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the communications circuitry isfurther operable to: transmit a request to control an entertainmentsystem of the particular hotel room.
 19. The portable electronic deviceof claim 11, further comprising: a connector operable to couple theportable electronic device to a dock of an entertainment system for atleast one of audio and video playback.
 20. Machine-readable mediacomprising machine-readable instructions recorded thereon for: receivingidentifying information from a user, wherein the information istransmitted via a portable electronic device of the user located remotefrom a hotel; receiving, from the user, a request to configure at leastone room setting; determining, based on the identifying information,that the user is an authorized guest of the hotel; and configuring ahotel room of the hotel with the at least one room setting in responseto determining the user is an authorized guest, wherein the configuringis performed prior to the user arriving at the hotel room.